sustain a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustain a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of sustaining an opinion or argument you have already presented. For example, "I have sustained my position that a higher minimum wage is necessary for economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I feel we will sustain a position in that area, given a fair wind and no horrendous run of injuries".

The Guardian - Sport

We can no longer sustain a position where we are funding drugs that don't offer sufficient clinical benefit when drugs that will do more for patients are coming on stream".

The Guardian

Mr. Erickson: The ACT writing test is designed to measure a student's ability to make and articulate judgments, develop and sustain a position, organize and present ideas logically, and communicate clearly in writing.

The New York Times

"Academically, it will enable the faculty to sustain a position for a scholarly expert in Korean studies and cement McGill's place at the forefront of this vital area of study," the university's dean of arts, Christopher Manfredi, said.

The New York Times

What differentiated Mute, Factory, Rough Trade and their contemporaries from other indies that came before and after was their ability to sustain a position in the mainstream – to populate it with a catalogue of releases that reflected whatever had captivated their imagination.

The Guardian - Music

As gains are made, the exercises will be progressed in terms of number of repetitions to be completed, time to sustain a position, intensity of resistance used and task difficulty.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Viruses were just biological entities able, like genes, to evolve but unable to self-replicate and to self-sustain, a position still held by the ICTV (van Regenmortel 2000, 2008).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Only by sustaining a position of skepticism toward our own certainly can we be open enough to suspect that there may be unseen paths to new learning.

Huffington Post

Since colonial times, a few large companies have profited from historical links across the once-pink slabs of the map to sustain a key position in the education market.

Independent

If possession of white skin confers status and attracts the esteem of others, derogating nonwhite individuals can help to build and sustain a top position for whites in the skin color hierarchy.

SEP

In C-shaped and S-shaped scoliosis: the subject is to raise her legs symmetrically and sustain a static position.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs like "defend", "uphold", or "maintain" instead of "sustain" to provide clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sustain a position" too frequently in formal writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms like "maintain", "uphold", or "defend" to enhance readability and stylistic appeal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustain a position" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English. The verb "sustain" requires an object (in this case "a position") to complete its meaning, indicating the act of maintaining or supporting something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sustain a position" is grammatically correct and usable for expressing the act of maintaining a viewpoint, rank, or posture. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid in English writing. While "sustain a position" appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it is also common in scientific writing. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "maintain a stance" or "uphold a viewpoint" for variety. Be mindful of overusing the phrase, especially in formal contexts, to avoid repetitiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a stance

Focuses more on maintaining a specific viewpoint or attitude.

uphold a viewpoint

Emphasizes defending or supporting a specific viewpoint.

hold one's ground

Implies resisting opposition and maintaining a position despite challenges.

preserve a status

Specifically relates to maintaining a current rank or standing.

keep up a level

Focuses on maintaining a specific standard or degree.

defend an argument

Highlights actively defending a previously stated claim.

secure a foothold

Suggests establishing and maintaining a basic level of presence or control.

validate a claim

Emphasizes providing evidence or support for a previous statement.

fortify a belief

Stresses strengthening and reinforcing a pre-existing belief.

reinforce a posture

Highlights the act of solidifying and strengthening a previously taken stance.

FAQs

How can I use "sustain a position" in a sentence?

You can use "sustain a position" to describe maintaining a viewpoint, rank, or posture, such as "The company struggled to "sustain its market position" despite increased competition" or "The athlete trained rigorously to "sustain her leading position" in the race".

What are some alternatives to "sustain a position"?

Some alternatives include "maintain a stance", "uphold a viewpoint", "hold one's ground", or "preserve a status", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "sustain a position" or "maintain a position"?

Both "sustain a position" and "maintain a position" are correct, but "maintain" often implies a more active effort to keep something in its current state, while "sustain" can suggest keeping something going over a longer period. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "sustain a position" in an argument?

In the context of an argument, to "sustain a position" means to defend or support a viewpoint or claim, often by providing evidence or reasoning. It implies that you are able to maintain your stance against opposition or scrutiny.